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Monday, February 09, 2015

Unnakaya (Malabar Delicacy) | Stuffed Plantain Fry

Unnakaya(Stuffed plantain fry) is another authentic Malabar snack.I had heard lots about this snack but hadn't tasted so far until I made these at home.This is a recipe that I bookmarked long back but always postponed as I couldn't find the right plantains.Each time I buy plantains and plan to make these,it would turn ripe soon or end up making some other snack.I have followed the recipe strictly.The plantains shouldn't be very ripe or too raw too,the middle stage of this is perfect.Am happy that I could try it now.This snack is crisp on the outside and soft inside with a sweet filling.Try it out !!

The plantain shouldn't be too ripe or too raw.So,select accordingly and check the best.Snap the ends and cut in halves,place in a steamer.Steam cook the plantains with skin to soften and cook until just tender(don't over do the cooking else it becomes mushy and will not hold shape).Wait to cool down,then peel the skin and mash the plantains after removing the black inner seeds.Mash it well just like mashed potatoes.If the dough is watery or slightly mushy and sticky,then add rice flour to knead in a soft dough like for chapathis.

To make filling-Heat ghee in a pan and add ghee/butter.When ghee is hot,add cashews followed by raisins,fry until slightly browned.Remove in a plate.Add the grated coconut and sugar in the reamaining ghee,roast the coconut until golden brown.Add beaten egg to the coconut(I haven't added egg) and scramble it.Switch off flame once it is cooked.Add in cashews and raisins,mix well.Leave to cool.

In the mean time,pinch out and make 6 balls.Grease your palm with oil or ghee,flatten the balls to disc shapes.Place about a tbsp of filling in each of the discs and roll to close in round or oval shapes.

Repeat the same step for remaining balls.Heat oil in a pan and slide in the oval shaped balls when oil is hot.Leave on medium heat and keep turning all sides to brown the outer cover using a slotted spoon.Drain on a paper towel and serve warm with tea!

Serves ~ 5-6 unnakaya NOTES* The plantain selection is the most important step in this recipe.If you get the right plantains then you get the right consistency of dough.* I haven't added egg in the filling.It tastes delicious without egg too.